Monday 13 June 2016

Memorandum Monday ~ Doll Making

My whole weekend was about learning new things. The many and varied processes of dollmaking. I was lucky enough to attend a two day workshop with Jan Horrox, dollmaker extraordinaire.

We jumped right in at the deep end, on Saturday morning, with the head. Probably the smallest pieces I've ever attempted to stitch together on a sewing machine.

























The pins are to mark the features before sculpting with strong thread.

Onto the body after lunch.....

























Sewn, turned and stuffed, ready to add the head and limbs.

Sunday morning was all about the hands.....


























This is where things got very tricky. Turning those fingers right side out, after stitching, required a lot of patience. I was so engrossed in getting this process right I forgot to take any progress pictures.

After that, the foot and jointed arm were a breeze!


























The legs follow the same principle as the arms. Jan also demonstrated how she makes wings and hair. I wasn't too worried about that as I wanted to get the basics down while I was there. I didn't expect to come away with a finished doll. Only one lady managed that and she had made dolls before.

It was a great weekend, made extra special by the company of a friend, who came up from Devon to take the workshop with me. I was absolutely shattered when I got home last night. Learning new things can be very tiring it seems.

Waving to Sian and my fellow Mondayers and wishing you all a great week.

10 comments:

Patio Postcards said...

WOWOWOWOWOW - those hands are so delicate. What a fantastic new skill you are learning. It will be exciting to see "her" when she is all done.

Susanne said...

It looks like a good way to get tired. My MIL loves dolls and has taken a few classes over many years, but still just prefers to collect them. She would applaud your patience.

Maggie said...

My goodness that does look complicated! Putting the hand on your hand does give an idea of the size too.

debs14 said...

Oh my goodness, that looks so intricate - Can't wait to see the finished doll when she is all in one piece. What patience you must have!

Sian said...

Just my kind of thing! Although I'm not sure that my sewing machine skills would be up it, I would have been more than happy to join you on this class. I have made several rag dolls in the past, but sculpted and moulded would be new for me too. I can't wait to see her finished now.

Have a good week

Jo said...

That looks fantastic, I hope you will share the finished doll with us x

Helen said...

love the hands! sounds like a fab workshop though WAY too fiddly for me, ha ha!

Cheri said...

That looks sooooo complicated! Can't wait to see your doll all put together.

alexa said...

Golly, what a lot of,patient and careful work that must have taken - and very good eyesight. Those little hands look especially detailed. Will you finish your doll at home? Hoping we get a peek!

Sandra said...

It looks absolutely amazing